Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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Kermit Weeks Documents Seversky P-35 Wing Restoration in New Video

Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks has posted a new FoF Mechanic’s Corner video dealing with the restoration of his extremely rare Seversky P-35A. The new update will be released in two parts and features Fantasy of Flight’s metal specialist Rick Reeves “taking us through the process of restoring the P-35 wing.”

To help show all the steps in detail, we’ll follow one particular wing skin through the whole process. Rick starts by pulling the old wing skin off the frame, and then goes through all the steps it takes to bring a new skin to life.

As previously reported, the machine was acquired years back in a trade with the USAF Museum and is reportedly one of only three remaining examples of the single seat fighter, which was introduced in the mid-1930s and saw limited action at the beginning of WW2. It came from the Swedish Air Force and was stored in underground bunkers during the war, which resulted in significant pitting and surface corrosion. Additional damage was sustained when Hurricane Andrew struck Kermit’s Florida-based collection in 1992. When complete, this will be the only airworthy example of the type in the world.

Click below to check out part 1 of the new series.

Continue reading Kermit Weeks Documents Seversky P-35 Wing Restoration in New Video

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Hawker Tempest Project “With Original Engine” Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A Hawker Tempest Mk II project has been spotted for sale.

Details are scarce, although the listing states that the project includes an original engine, is almost complete and in “V.G. condition.” Pricing is not mentioned.

Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Image: MLWatts via Wikimedia Commons)

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PBY-5A Catalina With “Many Spare Parts” Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (S/N 48423 / N423RS) with “many spare parts” has hit the market. The listing states (in part):

Standard WWII military configuration. Seats removed other than radio operator position. In fair condition. Flight deck is in fair condition… Aircraft has been in storage after shipment to Florida from UK. There are spares with the project including tail component, rudders, props, main wings, struts, cowls.

The airframe reportedly has 12049.2 TT, while the Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92S engines each have 650 SOH. The machine is located in New Smyrna, FL and is currently being offered for US $275,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Photo: Ken Fielding via Wikimedia Commons)

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Cooperation Announced to Build and Display Westland Whirlwind Mk 1 P7056 “Pride of Yeovil”

The Kent Battle of Britain Museum and the Westland Whirlwind Fighter Project have announced a cooperation to build and display an example of the Westland Whirlwind Mk 1 at the Hawkinge-based museum.

According to the announcements, the museum will be helping to raise the needed funds and each sub assembly will be displayed in their Stuart-Buttle Memorial Hangar as they are built. These displays will “bring the work of the Whirlwind Fighter Project to a wider audience” and provide an opportunity for the public to “expand their knowledge of airframe construction and design.”

The twin-engine, single-seat Whirlwind fighter-bomber was developed in the 1930s and went on to serve in WW2, where it saw use in a variety of roles including bomber escort and ground attack. In addition to Hawker Hurricanes, 263 Squadron was equipped with eight Whirlwinds during the Battle of Britain. It was eventually withdrawn from service in 1943 and succeeded by the Hawker Typhoon. Continue reading Cooperation Announced to Build and Display Westland Whirlwind Mk 1 P7056 “Pride of Yeovil”

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Two Seat, 80% P-51 Project Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A P-51 project described as a “flying experimental homebuilt 80% scale replica” has hit the market. The listing states (in part):

Here was a flying experimental homebuilt 80% scale replica of a P-51 Fighter. Two seats. Made the cover of Sport Aviation with a detailed article in 1996. It suffered a landing mishap and needs repairs or rebuilding. All aluminum construction. The original fuselage has many parts that can be used on the nearly finished second new fuselage. Most control surfaces and landing gear are reusable. The 3 blade constant speed propeller has been overhauled. The engine is a Lycoming GO-480 290 HP and is installed in the original fuselage. It will need inspection before further flight. The main part of the project is to build a new wing. Digital wing plans, sheet aluminum for ribs, and wing skins included.

The project is located in SW Washington near Portland, Oregon and is currently being offered for US $25,000, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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Eduard Releases New P-51D-5 Mustang Model Kit

Eduard has released a new ProfiPACK edition P-51D-5 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering (82101) is described as focusing on the early production block D-5 variant (without a dorsal fin fillet) and contains pre-painted PE accessories, painting mask and decals for five attractive color schemes.

Liveries reportedly represent S/N 44-13318, “Frenesi” flown by Lt. Thomas L. Hayes Jr. of 364 FS, 357 FG; S/N 44-13322, “Devestating Dottie” flown by John M. Simmons of 317 FS, 325 FG; S/N 44-13606, “Heatwave” flown by Claude J. Crenshaw of 369 FS, 359 FG; and S/N 44-13859, flown by Walter Mullins of 55 FS, 20 FG. Two versions of S/N 44-13321 “Cripes A’Mighty 3rd” flown by George Preddy Jr. of 487 FS, 352 FG are also included.

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First Look: Test Frames For Modelsvit’s Upcoming New Tool P-51H

Modelsvit has announced that the molding process for their upcoming new tool 1/48 P-51H model kit is nearing completion, and has released photos of the first test frames.

As previously reported, the company states that the 1/48 kit will include two cockpits, clear parts (open/closed canopy) and flaps that can be adjusted in 2 positions. It was previously indicated that the model would be released sometime in 2019.

Click below to check out a selection of the newly released images.

Continue reading First Look: Test Frames For Modelsvit’s Upcoming New Tool P-51H

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“Low Reserve, Registered” T-6 Project Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A “low reserve” SNJ-5/AT-6 Texan project is available for sale. The listing states (in part):

Registered T6 project. Will consist of tubular with all attached parts as seen, overhauled center section with new attach angles as pictured. Lt and Rt fuel tanks, a set of overhaulable wings for at6-d, a rear tailcone as pictured new surplus,vertical fin and a rudder you may pic from our selection a set of gear legs and knuckles and wheels, a fire wall,engine mount and a set of repairable cowling of your choice.

The project is located in Millsboro, Delaware and is currently available for US $35,000, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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Kermit Weeks Shares September 2019 Messerschmitt Bf 108 Restoration Update

For the latest installment of the Fantasy of Flight Mechanic’s Corner video series, owner Kermit Weeks shares an update on the restoration of his Messerschmitt Bf 108.

This update has been “a long time coming,” having been postponed by “multiple distractions” including Hurricane Dorian. In the report, Fantasy of Flight restoration specialist Paul Stecewycz explains some of the delays, and catches us up on the ongoing work, which centers on the fuselage, tail, rivets, and wood and metal parts that need to be recovered in leather.

Click below to check it out.

Continue reading Kermit Weeks Shares September 2019 Messerschmitt Bf 108 Restoration Update

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Hangar 9 Releases New 88″ Ki-43 Oscar RC Model

Hangar 9 has released its new 88″ Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar ARF RC model.

The giant scale model (HAN4720) is touted as offering “outstanding flying characteristics” and “scale details typically not found on other ARF aircraft.” It is one of only two Hangar 9 giant scale warbirds with satin-finish printed covering and reportedly includes panel lines, rivets and weathering as well as a 3D instrument panel, pilot bust, 5″ scale wheels and two-piece plug-in wings with aluminum tube for easy transportation and storage.

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